"Right children we are going to be writing an adventure story called The Storm. No, Jimmy, put down your pen - you can't start now because today's lesson will be writing the plan. Remember I talked last lesson about all stories needing a beginning, middle and end. That's right, Cloe, we have to set the scene, introduce the problem, plot the build up and the climax to the story and then note down how it will be resolved."
This was me, two years ago, teaching my year 6 class the importance of planning a story.
This is me two years later.
Now what was that interesting comment Ali made when we were swimming last week? Ah yes, she said, "I've been on a diet for four weeks but it's David who's lost the weight." I like that. It would make a good story. Turn the computer on. How shall I start? I know: Val sat on the bar stool and watched her husband at the hob. Singing to himself, he ripped the lid from the double cream and added it to the soup. Now why did I write that? Oh yes, because that was what my husband did last night. What shall I write next? Shall I make Val happy or sad to start with? Let's try happy. "Hmmm... When will it be ready? Shall we open a bottle of wine?" she smiled.
And so it goes on, the story taking shape as I write it, the characters taking over and living lives I hadn't foreseen when I first breathed life into them.
This story was published in Woman's Weekly and there was not a plan in sight.
So what about the saying practise what you preach? I hear you gasp. The simple answer is - I CAN'T! Even at school, I was unable to plan a story and the same holds true today.
Planning! How I dread that word. The mere sound of it conjurs up lines and grids and organisational skills which I seem to lack.
So why is it that I have just spent the last fifteen minutes reading an article by Barbara Dyness about this hateful word in this month's Writer's Forum magazine.
It's because I know that one day - if I am ever to write anything longer, such as a serial or a pocket novel or even (fanfare) a novel, I shall have to have a try, give it a go, take the bull by the horns even.
If I do, I shall use the brilliant mind mapping app on my iPad called Total Recall - which you can read about in my post Mind Mapping Your Stories.
Happy Easter everyone!
Brilliant post, Wendy! Never fear, novels can also be written without a plan. I keep thinking I maybe should try planning mine a little more, but I don't think I'd ever write the books if I did.
ReplyDeleteThat is good to know, Rosemay.
DeleteIt's nice to know that successful short story writers don't plan either. I have to start writing or I would never get anywhere. Then it just seems to grow. I'm a new follower. Lovely post.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to my blog, Maggie. I'm the same - I just have to start!
DeleteI never plan! Much more fun making it up as you go along. Do what works for you. That's what most of us do!
ReplyDeleteI am feeling so much better about it now, Frances. I shall carry on as before.
DeleteI can plan either, I much prefer my characters to take over as I go along. If I try to plan, I just end up with a blank page. I does mean more editing in the long run, but at least there is something to edit.
ReplyDeleteThere are definitely more votes for non-planning than planning so far.Will have to see what others say.
DeleteOops, that will teach me not to read through before I press publish. That's was meant to read, I can't plan!
ReplyDeleteI'm one of those writers who has to have a plan. It gives me courage. I write a one-page outline which is very bare bones. It's kind of a warm-up drill because I usually stray from the outline about one paragraph into the story. It's always a huge relief when the characters take over. But until then, yikes!
ReplyDeleteIt's an honour to have such an amazing writer visit my blog Ann -I so enjoyed your book (thank you Frances for recommending it!)I can't imagine that you would be able to start a book such as Rachel du Pree without having planned the bones of it. Glad you stray though!
DeleteRay Bradbury's words always allow me to keep going without a plan - 'How can you put the footprints before the footsteps.'
ReplyDeleteWhat a brilliant quote, Lynne.
DeleteI have to say I love a good plan! I usually write a rough paragraph of what each chapter is going contain either in my notebook or on postcards. :-)
ReplyDeleteAh, one for the planning side - I think you're outnumbered at the moment, Anne.
DeleteI don't think you should get hung up on this planning lark Wendy. There are plenty of successful novelists who never plan. Sounds like the planners, like me, are actually in the minority. I have to have the story ready in my head before writing and for longer pieces use index cards to summarise chapters... doesn't mean my plot of characters actually follow the plan though!
ReplyDeleteAfter all these responses, I shall definitely stop stressing about it now although I wish, just ,once I could plan the whole story in my head, Tracy!
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